Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) posits wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are the basic elements of the material world. These are in constant movement and change. Health and vitality rely on an energetic balance of earth elements within the body. TCM seeks to harmonize body, mind and spirit through various methods and lifestyle change.
It’s spring! According to TCM, the WOOD element governs this season. It’s a time for birth and new beginnings. Wood also governs the liver. There are many things we can do in the spring to promote harmony and balance with ourselves and our surroundings. You may already be feeling the urge to spring clean; that means you are in touch with the unique aspects of this season!
Diet is a primary way to promote balance, and sprouting is perfect to do in the spring. Mung beans are easy to make. You can purchase whole green mung at an Indian specialty market or health food store.
Soak one-half cup of sprouts in water overnight. Drain and place in a dark cabinet covered with a paper towel or kitchen hand towel. Rinse once per day. In one to two more days, you will have delicious mung bean sprouts that may not make it to the refrigerator before you eat them all! Throw some into a salad, a stir-fry or soup.
It’s spring! According to TCM, the WOOD element governs this season. It’s a time for birth and new beginnings. Wood also governs the liver. There are many things we can do in the spring to promote harmony and balance with ourselves and our surroundings. You may already be feeling the urge to spring clean; that means you are in touch with the unique aspects of this season!
- Go to bed before 11 o'clock. This is to give the wood element time to regenerate and heal.
- Give the liver a spring-clean cleanse. Drink plenty of fresh, filtered water garnished with slices of lemon.
- Spend some time in the early morning planning new projects or retooling old projects. This will support the wood element.
- Emphasize greens, sprouts, fruits, nuts and seeds in your diet.
- Move forward. Make a list of those projects that have been on hold and tackle a couple of them.
- Incorporate into your daily routine exercises that promote flexibility and joint health.
Diet is a primary way to promote balance, and sprouting is perfect to do in the spring. Mung beans are easy to make. You can purchase whole green mung at an Indian specialty market or health food store.
Soak one-half cup of sprouts in water overnight. Drain and place in a dark cabinet covered with a paper towel or kitchen hand towel. Rinse once per day. In one to two more days, you will have delicious mung bean sprouts that may not make it to the refrigerator before you eat them all! Throw some into a salad, a stir-fry or soup.
GRILLED ASPARAGUS
- One pound of asparagus
- 3 T olive oil
- Salt to taste
Preheat oven grill to 450 degrees. Toss asparagus with oil and salt to taste. Place on grill pan in oven occasionally turning until browned and soft. Let cool.
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